Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
While the past few months have certainly been crazy in almost every way, the weather has been much milder than normal – and we’re loving it. These cool spring days have been perfect for hanging out on the deck together, drawing and reading out loud and enjoying the sunshine. That’s why we’re happy to be reviewing ARTistic Pursuits, Middle School 6-8 Book One “The Elements of Art and Composition” by Artistic Pursuits Inc.
This program is book-based, with the lessons clearly written out. Each one is about a page or two long, and the we love the structure of the pages. The soft-sided book has the appearance of a workbook, but with each page laid out a little differently, the creative design makes it feel more like an art adventure. The layout includes a variety of text boxes in different positions on the pages, as well as different fonts and pictures. Included in each lesson is the lesson objective, which is nice to see. I appreciate that formality – it’s good to know the goal towards which you’re working.
The lessons contain a variety of elements. Some reference classic works of art, explaining important things students should notice about them. These sections give history about that work and explain what about that piece relates to the artistic element being taught. The ‘How to’ section gives direct art teaching about that element. The ‘Get Creative’ section gives more relaxed tips about how to personalize the piece on which the student is working.
There are also many drawings and art prints throughout the book. Some of the prints are in color, while many of the drawings are in black and white. These are often pieces by students and are used to show how the artist used the element being taught in that lesson.
I really like that student art is used as examples. I think that sends the message that anybody’s work has value and can be enjoyed – not just professional artists. For kids who might not have a high opinion of their own work, this could be a game-changer!
This program is structured well. Students are taught concrete skills like value, form, shape, texture, lines, and composition. These skills are taught in 16 units with four lessons in each one. Lessons are expected to take about an hour, and with a few done each week, this program can be completed in a school year.
Middle School 6-8 Book One: The Elements of Art and Composition requires basic art materials – in fact, we already had them. That makes it easy to get started with this program, and the structure of the lessons makes you comfortable from the start.
This has been a fantastic program for us. We love the direct instruction but also the freedom to take the lesson and apply it to our own subject of choice. My kids appreciated that opportunity to draw what they wanted while trying out the style and information they learned each day.
The instruction is straightforward and simple enough for both of my kids to read on their own. They sometimes discussed the assignment while they gathered their materials, and then we gathered on the deck, sitting around the table in the warm spring sunshine, while I read aloud from our current story and they concentrated on their art. This has been a GREAT and enjoyable way to practice new skills, and we’ve enjoyed this opportunity to combine that with time together. In fact, one of my students was always disappointed when it was time to stop drawing – and that’s a great testament to the ease and enjoyment we experienced with this program!
I think that this program would be an excellent choice for anyone who’s ready to embark on an independent art journey. Whether you read the lesson for yourself, as I would expect most middle-school students to do, or you read and discuss it with a small group of students, the lessons are straightforward and easy to understand. Opportunities are given to practice and improve your skills, and I think students will see lots of growth over the course of a school year. Students should complete the course not only having greatly improved their drawing skills, but also with a strong foundation in art vocabulary and technique, as well as learning some art history, too. What more could you ask for?
BONUS: Brenda Ellis, the author of ARTistic Pursuits Inc., has a blog that features FREE drawing lessons for beginners and lessons for K-3 students. It even includes videos! The blog has several lessons already, and they look fantastic. The videos are short but very professionally done, giving both art and character instruction. Watching these would be a great way to add a little educational fun to your summer plans! You can find the blog here – check it out!
Don’t take my word for it, though – if you’re in the market for an art program, you can read more reviews by the Homeschool Review Crew for ARTistic Pursuits Inc. by clicking on the graphic below.
